Authentic Red Beans & Rice

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Authentic Red Beans & Rice scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavors, Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Flavor Enhancers (Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate): Industrial flavor enhancement common in UPF.

Within Boxed Dinners & Sides, this product is more processed than about 53% of the 4,145 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Authentic Red Beans & Rice's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Enriched Rice (Niacin, Iron (Ferric Orthophosphate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Folic Acid).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar. Contains 2% Or Less Of: Modified Corn Starch, Maltodextrin (From Corn).

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Torula Yeast, Yeast Extract.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

Processed Vegetable ProductsProcessing indicator

In this product: Dehydrated Vegetables (Red & Green Bell Peppers, Onion).

Extracts and powders indicate processing.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Carmel Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Anti-Caking AgentsProcessing indicator

In this product: Silicon Dioxide.

Common in powdered processed foods.